Foton Thunda vs GWM Steed 5 vs JMC Vigus: which one has the best infotainment system?
An affordable, used double cab may seem like that answer to all your transportation problems, but one will have to make several sacrifices when deciding to go with one of these used double cab offerings. We look at what you can expect to get on the infotainment system front when making such a decision.
Foton, better known for its commercial offerings, entered the double cab LCV market just over ten years ago with the Foton Thunda. When this model was discontinued internationally the local arm followed suit and replaced the Thunda with the Tunland. Available in both single and double-cab formats, the Tunland was a more modern take on the double cab theme and even included an engine sourced from Cummins.
Related: 5 Foton Tunland accessories you didn’t know you needed.
You got the Tunland in both 4x2 and 4x4 layouts with two trims offered in each, Comfort and Luxury. A third option was the short-lived Granite model, offered only in a 4x4 double cab arrangement. This model was trimmed similarly to the Luxury version.
Here's how the Tunland stacks up against two of its rivals, the GWM Steed 5 and the JMC Vigus in the infotainment department.
Foton Tunland
When we say infotainment, we're using that term loosely. The Tunland is devoid of infotainment systems as we know them today and had to make do with a simplified radio unit. As a matter of price and with the technology available at the time, the Tunland features a double-DIN radio/CD unit with basic functionality and no touchscreen.
This system will allow for AM/FM reception and CD playback. It has the ability to accept external audio devices via USB or AUX inputs and Luxury trim models were equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming.
The basic interface consists of a multi-line LCD display with blue background lighting while the controls interface is dominated by a large volume and selection knob in the centre. It is flanked by several shortcut buttons for station presets and function access. This is the only interface as the Tunland is devoid of a multifunction steering wheel.
GWM Steed 5
The GWM Steed 5 is the no-mess, no-fuss offering from the Chinese firm. Their higher-end offerings include the Steed 5E, Steed 6 and the P-Series, which is aimed at the luxury leisure market. As such, the Steed 5 does without the frivolous luxuries that one would expect to hike up the price.
The Steed 5 is equipped with a single DIN radio/CD player with basic functionality. You will get AM/FM reception and CD playback capabilities but will have to make do without Bluetooth connectivity. This unit does, however, make allowances for USB inputs.
You will also have to interact with the unit directly as there are no steering wheel controls on the Steed 5. There's no touchscreen either and the display is a simple LCD affair.
JMC Vigus
The JMC Vigus is the surprising one of the lot here. Where the others feel more utilitarian, the Vigus offers up some welcomed creature comforts in the way of cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel and a touchscreen infotainment system.
This unit is fitted to the dashboard with its tactile controls positioned below it. This busy array of buttons, single centre selector, and dual rotary knob require some acclimatization but will offer single-button access to most of the functions while on the go.
You will get AM/FM reception from the unit as well as Bluetooth connectivity and USB input. The DVD player will allow for DVD or CD playback as well.
